Normally, the Cincinnati Bengals being unable to work out together until training camp might be an issue with an incoming starting rookie quarterback.
But technology and a prospect of Joe Burrow’s caliber help soften the blow of an unorthodox offseason.
Just ask Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who is already impressed with Burrow’s ability to digest and execute pre-snap responsibilities, as captured by ESPN’s Ben Baby:
“He has a really, really good feel for understanding protection schemes and how to get himself protected and where his issues are in the protection scheme, so that part has been really impressive. He’s dialed in. He comes into the meeting and competes.”
Rest assured the Bengals would much rather do this work in person. But after smooth sailing by Duke Tobin and Co. during the all-virtual draft, the technology side of things continues to provide a boost for the team.
And Burrow deserves his credit too, of course. He told anyone who would listen he spent his pre-draft process training to be the best rookie he can be. His status as a pro-ready player wasn’t challenged by anyone.
Now the Bengals have seen some of the early returns. And by the sounds of it, Burrow’s already matching expectations — after adapting to one of the strangest offseasons we’ve seen so far.
